Sunday, July 8, “The World's Most Beautiful Marathon!” starts at 7 a.m. so don't miss the national anthem at 6:45 a.m. The Mad Marathon is on the countdown with 750 runners from 46 states and 9 countries registered and headed to The Valley.

One reason people come back to The Valley is the hospitality so please join the Marathon volunteers in welcoming these fine runners.

Last year’s women’s winner, Sarah London of Montpelier, says, “This marathon is a beautiful, and challenging way to enjoy Vermont at its best. I was very impressed with the number of fans and volunteers along the course. Few marathons can compete with the views or with my favorite part of this course – soaking in the MadRiver at the end!"

Returning this year, Newton Baker will run his 60th Vermont Marathon here on July 8: “I want to run more Vermont Marathons than anyone else ever can, for something to do. I'm running another marathon in Vermont the day before, making the Mad Marathon my 60th Vermont marathon! I also use marathons to train for 24-hour runs.

While challenging, start to finish, the extraordinarily beautiful Vermont scenery, right down to the last three miles and that breathtaking plunge down to the covered bridge and on to the end, is great! There was excellent runner support and fun post-race festivities!” said Baker.

He may not be the fastest person on the course, but determination counts for a lot. All are welcome to experience the excitement of an official marathon and watch the many types of runners it draws.

ROAD CLOSURES/DELAYS

While some roads will be closed on Sunday, July 8, once runners safely pass, roads are then open to local residents on an as-needed basis. That means people will be able to get to their house or through a road as the crowd thins.

Since the Mad Marathon starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday and runners are typically through the first half of the course by 10 a.m., residents may not experience any road closures – consider sleeping late or mowing the lawn before turning out to spectate!

Dori Ingalls, race director, thanks MadRiverValley residents and visitors in advance for their understanding during the race hours. To facilitate a safe race for runners, riders and drivers, there will be a series of road closures: